The 1981 Susan B Anthony dollar has attracted attention after reports that a rare example tied to this date could be worth as much as 880000. This article explains why certain 1981 Susan B Anthony dollar coins become so valuable and gives clear steps you can take to check your change.
Why the 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar Makes Headlines
The Susan B Anthony dollar was struck starting in 1979 and produced intermittently through the early 1990s. Most 1981-dated coins are common and worth face value or modest premiums to collectors.
A handful of rare varieties or error coins can reach extraordinary values. When auction houses report sales in the hundreds of thousands, the coins involved are almost always unusual in strike, provenance, or grading.
What can make a 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar extremely valuable
- Die errors such as doubling, missing elements, or major misalignment.
- Minting anomalies like off-center strikes or blank planchets with partial devices.
- Prooflike or deep cameo specimens graded at the highest levels by major grading services.
- Coins with a documented chain of ownership or ties to historical events or hoards.
Each factor multiplies potential value, especially when verified by an accredited grading company. Without third-party certification, buyer confidence and market value drop significantly.
How to Check Your Change for a Valuable 1981 Susan B Anthony Dollar
Checking change is a simple habit that can occasionally yield surprising finds. Follow these steps to inspect Susan B Anthony dollars you find.
- Separate all dollar coins you receive in transactions and store them in a small container.
- Use a magnifying glass to read the date and mint mark. The date 1981 should be clear on the obverse.
- Compare the coin to images of standard and known error varieties online.
- Look for obvious errors such as misstrikes, missing letters, doubling, or off-center images.
- If you suspect a rare variety, photograph the coin from multiple angles and seek a professional opinion.
What to look for: mint marks and errors
1981 coins were struck at the Philadelphia and Denver mints in some years. Mint marks are normally small letters near the date or on the reverse depending on the series.
- Common mint marks: D for Denver, P for Philadelphia when present.
- Error indicators: heavy doubling on the date or letters, missing devices, or strange planchet clips.
- Condition matters: uncirculated coins with full luster command higher prices for the same variety.
How to Verify Authenticity and Value
If you find a 1981 Susan B Anthony dollar that looks unusual, get a professional opinion before selling. Use these verification steps.
- Check online databases and auction records to see if the variety is known. Reputable numismatic sites and catalogs list many varieties and values.
- Post clear photos on collector forums for feedback. Experienced collectors can point out common fakes or known errors.
- If the coin appears significant, submit it to a recognized grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication and grading.
Grading adds trust and typically increases market value. It also helps you find appropriate auction venues if you decide to sell.
Real-World Example: A Case Study
A small-town cashier found a shiny 1981 Susan B Anthony dollar while counting a till. At first glance it looked ordinary, but the cashier noticed heavy doubling on the word LIBERTY.
The cashier posted photos to a coin forum and was advised to submit the coin to a grading service. The coin was authenticated as a strong doubled die obverse with a high grade, and later sold at auction to a specialist collector.
Outcome and lessons:
- Small differences in lettering or doubling can indicate a rare die error.
- Forums and grading services are useful first steps before selling.
- Patience and proper documentation increased the final sale price.
Practical Tips for Sellers and Holders
If you believe you have a valuable 1981 Susan B Anthony dollar, approach selling with these practical steps.
- Do not clean the coin. Cleaning can drastically reduce collector value.
- Document the coin with high-resolution photos, including obverse, reverse, and any close-ups of anomalies.
- Obtain third-party grading if the coin appears significant. Grading verifies authenticity and provides a standard condition rating.
- Shop around for offers. Auction houses, reputable dealers, and specialist forums are common routes for high-value sales.
For routine checks, keep a small magnifier and a reference guide handy. That makes it easy to inspect coins while still at the register or at home.
Final Thoughts
While most 1981 Susan B Anthony dollars are modest in value, rare error coins and top-grade specimens can command prices far above face value. Checking your change is low effort and can occasionally produce valuable finds.
Follow the verification steps in this article, keep clear records, and use trusted grading services before making major selling decisions. Small care in handling and documentation can protect value and deliver the best outcome if you do discover something rare.